External metal backbox sizes

[paullieo]

Hi all

Almost at the end of adding plug sockets and lights in my garage. However, the backboxes I bought from Screwfix don't cover the lightswitches/plug sockets fully. I assume these are not safe to use as they are and I haven't connected anything to mains yet.

I've tried googling and checking Screwfix/Toolstation but can't seem to find metal backboxes with suitable dimensions.

The first two pictures are what I've added (not connected to mains yet so nothing operational):



And this is what I'm trying to achieve:



Can anyone point me to the right type of backboxes please?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pete01]

PVC Conduit Pattress

A conduit pattress box with 20mm knockouts on the top and bottom for easy vertical or horizontal connections. Made from PVC and with a depth of 32mm, this back box is easy to work with and offers excellent value for money.• 20mm knockouts on top and bottom• Perfect for vertical or horizontal...

www.toolstation.com

 

[pete01]

I know you said metal but why if the sockets plastic?

 

[RandomGrinch]

Or have a search for 'metal clad' sockets and back boxes.

 

[pete01]

Yes as above.

Axiom Metal Clad Switched Socket

Looking for a tough and durable socket? The Axiom metal clad range combines these qualities with a smart and tidy finish – this additional strength and impact resistance makes the socket ideal for high-traffic commercial or industrial settings, as well as workshops or garages.• Tough and durable...

www.toolstation.com

 

[paullieo]

Whoa, thanks for the speedy replies.

Are the plastic pattress boxes ok for garage use?

 

[RandomGrinch]

Are the plastic pattress boxes ok for garage use?

Depends how good your parking is!
Yes.

 

[paullieo]

My parking is ok.... it's the other half I'd need to worry about!

Thanks very much everyone. Will be getting plastic back boxes.

 

[Sureitsoff?]

If I recall correctly you used to be able to get metal backboxes designed to take plastic fronts. they had "ears" on each corner such that it matched the corners of the front plate.
but as pete says use the conduit pattress boxes

 

[securespark]

MK make metal boxes designed for surface-mounting plastic accessories.

Seems like they only make them for round cornered accessories now.

1 Gang 41mm Surface Logic Plus Metal Box with Ko's | MK (K2213ALM)

2 Gang 41mm Surface Logic Plus Metal Box with Ko's | MK (K2214ALM)

 

[sparkwright]

My parking is ok.... it's the other half I'd need to worry about!

Thanks very much everyone. Will be getting plastic back boxes.

Be sure to get the PVC ones, and not the regular plastic ones. The regular plastic ones do not have any means to fit 20mm conduit, and would shatter if you tried.

 

[paullieo]

Be sure to get the PVC ones, and not the regular plastic ones. The regular plastic ones do not have any means to fit 20mm conduit, and would shatter if you tried.

I did not think of this. Will recheck what I've ordered.

 

[Adam_151]

MK make metal boxes designed for surface-mounting plastic accessories.

Seems like they only make them for round cornered accessories now.

I must admit, I've always been supprised that line exists, there must be quite a small number of situations where you'd want to do that, surely?

I mean, I think I've used them a time or too to allow something like this https://www.timeguard.com/products/...meswitches/fst77-7-day-fused-spur-timeswitch/ to be mounted next to the board and bushed into the side, but thats the only time I could imagine needing one, and even then I could use a grid backbox (I suppose there is a very small risk you'd have to do something about the flanges, but honestly, don't think they'd stick out enough to cause an issue)

But then again MK still sell clock connectors, and I'm pretty sure that very few people would have any difficultly counting the number of them they have fitted in the last 25 years on one hand....

 

[SUNRAY]

...

But then again MK still sell clock connectors, and I'm pretty sure that very few people would have any difficultly counting the number of them they have fitted in the last 25 years on one hand....

Oops. Hundreds.

We used to use them for curtain motors. In some buildings it was boxes and boxes of them.

 

[JohnW2]

But then again MK still sell clock connectors, and I'm pretty sure that very few people would have any difficultly counting the number of them they have fitted in the last 25 years on one hand....

Like SUNRAY (although undoubtedly not on the same scale!), I have installed a good few in my time. They can be quite useful for many things, none of which have been clocks for decades!

Hence, if you were to ask people how many (if any) they had installed "to connect clocks" in the past 25 years, then I imagine the answer would be much closer to zero

Kind Regards, John